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Over half of respondents from our study conducted in Canberra indicated that they live at home with their parents, however only one respondent indicated that they were comfortable speaking to family about drig use. Why is this and does it affect whether someone will use illicit substances?

Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory suggests that one of the reasons one commits deviant acts is because their social bond to certain people or institutions in society is weak or broken (Hirschi, 1969). Institutions can include family, education or religion for example. Hirschi suggests that a child’s separation or weak relationship with their parents heightens their tendency to be deviant. This shows the importance of connection between individuals and their families. Pratt et al. (2011) recounts that for Hirschi, “where youths…form close attachments to their parents and schools [they] will, by extension, experience greater levels of social control” (Pratt et al., 2011, pg. 16). 

Despite this importance, some people don't feel the ability to connect with their families and talk to them about certain matters, whether it be the birds and the bees chat or talking about drug use. From our study conducted in Canberra, we found that only one respondent agreed that they felt most comfortable speaking with their family about drug use. Most respondents, at 63%, said they felt most comfortable talking about drug use with close friends, with 33% also saying they felt most comfortable talking about it with others who have used drugs before.

There are a few websites linked below that can help you start a conversation with your parents and those at home about your drug use. 

• https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/having-conversation/ 

• https://ranchatdovetree.com/blog/holidays-talking-parents-addiction/ 

• https://www.narcotics.com/abuse/how-to-talk-to-your-parents-about-your-drug-use/

These conversations are important even for those who haven’t used drugs before. Talking to your family about drugs can provide you with so many insights into lessons learned and experiences that they may have had in their young adult years with illicit substances - recreationally or otherwise. Additionally, for anyone reading this blog as a parent or aspiring parent, take notes as well - have those conversations with your children so that they can build a bond and be safe in their adventurous young adulthood. 

Kids helpline (2018)